Former '80s teen idol
Corey Haim was laid to rest Tuesday afternoon in Toronto, his hometown.

The
Toronto Sun says a crowd of about 200 family members and friends filled Steeles Memorial Chapel to mourn Haim, who died in California last week at 38, with an enlarged heart, pulmonary congestion and water in his lungs.

“It was a very touching memorial service, a lot of good things were said about him, a lot of laughter and tears,” said Maytal Kotler, a second cousin of Haim’s, told the
Sun. “There were a lot of funny, touching stories ... from when he was in high school and growing up and his childhood best friend gave a touching speech.”

Haim’s parents, Judy and Bernie, an aunt and cousins attended the private 45-minute service. Longtime friend
Corey Feldman did not attend, as he
previously announced.

"Hordes of paparazzi, media and fans waited — some, as early as 6 a.m. — outside the funeral home, hoping to catch a glimpse of the casket or celebrities in the crowd," the Sun reports. "But the ceremony was well-guarded by police officers."

"I miss you so much already. When I think of something funny I don’t know who to tell it to. I find myself trying to call you but then remember your not there. I think about the new movies we will soon be doing together and then suddenly realise that the dream is over. I always feared this day would come, and often rehearsed how to face it. But once confronted with the reality of it, it’s so much more painful than I could have ever imagined."

About this blog

Relive the '80s music, movies and culture with Tampa Bay Times correspondent Steve Spears. A teen during the greatest decade ever, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to big hair.